Where a PPP is identified as the most effi­cient procurement method, the newly established Framework provides detailed guidance to Thai Government agencies in relation to governance and process.

PPPs were originally developed in the UK, and have since been adopted locally. Thai Government officials undertook a study tour of both countries before deciding to adopt an Australian type of model.

Allens’ Projects Partner Leighton O’Brien predicted that several other countries around Asia would follow suit and adopt a PPP framework within the next 12 months.

“Governments across Asia are looking to in­frastructure projects to help alleviate the impact of the global economic downturn, but securing funding is a significant issue,” O’Brien said.

“PPPs provide an opportunity for risk and costs to be shared, with the added benefit that they can deliver cost savings of up to 20 per cent on major projects.”

The new PPP framework relates to projects valued in excess of THB 1000 million ($43.8 million), requiring both the public and private sector to co-operate in a transparent manner to fund and build infrastructure projects such as roads and hospitals.

“Each nation’s PPP framework may have its own peculiarities but, in essence, I’d expect them to be broadly similar in structure – which is good news for private sector companies who are bidding for project work across the region,” said O’Brien.

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Based in Sydney, Mr O’Brien advised the Thailand Government through liaising with Allens’ Partner Marcus Clarke in Bangkok and Thai law firm Siam Premier, with which the firm has an association.